Three titled Sevens players will retire

The All Blacks Sevens are at risk of losing leadership and years of experience as Scott Currie, Tim Mikkelson and Sam Dixon end their international careers.

All of these trio captained the team at some point in their long careers and have World Series, World Cup and Commonwealth Games titles to their credit.

Mikkelson is the most experienced player of the three, having earned the most caps of any player in All Blacks Sevens history (104 caps) since his debut in 2007, and is the second most capped player in International Sevens history.

He was also the fourth leading scorer in the game.

A long-time team captain, Curry remains one of the world’s leading strikers after impressing at the Paris Olympics, where the men failed to medal.

Curry made his debut in 2010 and played 71 times for the team.

Dixon, who was the last of the team’s three captains, made his debut in 2012 and has attended three Commonwealth Games and three Rugby World Cups.

New Zealand head of men’s rugby Mike Anthony said the players had “made significant contributions on and off the field” to the All Blacks Sevens team.

“They have left an incredible mark on the game and extended the legacy of the All Blacks Sevens.

“The success they have had in the black jersey is a credit to their leadership, work ethic and dedication to the game.”

While Dixon has confirmed his retirement from rugby, Mikkelson and Currie are retiring from professional rugby.

Player achievements

Tim Mikkelson

Number of All Blacks Sevens: 190

Debut: George, 2007

World Series crowns: seven

Victories at the world championships: 2013, 2018.

Olympic Games: Silver Medal 2021

Commonwealth Games: gold medal 2010, 2018, silver medal 2014

Individual achievements: Fourth highest scorer in World Series history, 2013 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, 2011 New Zealand Rugby Sevens Player of the Year.

Scott Curry

All Blacks Sevens number: 216

Debut: Dubai, 2010

World Series crowns: six

World Championship victories: 2018

Olympic Games: Silver Medal 2021

Commonwealth Games: 2018 gold medal, 2014 silver medal

Individual achievements: New Zealand Rugby Sevens Player of the Year 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021.

Sam Dixon

All Blacks Sevens number: 241

Debut: Dubai, 2012

World Series crowns: four

World Championship victories: 2018

Commonwealth Games: 2018 gold medal, 2014 silver medal, 2022 bronze medal

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